Question: Hammocking in Minneapolis

**Fronkey** · 02-23-2012, 00:20

Originally Posted by dsherman

I like these suggestions, thanks! Are they pretty quiet at night? I'm taking a friend out for his first night of camping but we're both limited by work schedules. These should do nicely for a night or two.

Afton can be loud until 10pm because it is right next to Afton Alps.

Fronkey

**Bubba shmubba** · 02-23-2012, 00:24

I just got a new hammock and haven't even hung it up yet. I'm a minister and live in a parsonage. Here's the problem: there are only 2 trees on the property.... One in the back yard and one in the front. So I asked a friend who lives in the country if I could do my first hang in thier yard. So do ya have a bud that lives in the country?

**djminnesota** · 02-23-2012, 23:09

i like afton... sites are hike in, but pretty short. the sites on the farther end of the campground have some good trees

**djminnesota** · 02-23-2012, 23:13

and fort ridgley state park is a great place if you like golf... 10 bucks to play unlimited rounds during the day on a really beautiful course.. its very quiet, and has two sites locate on a beautiful stream... sawtwo foxes and some deer on the other side as the sun went down

**zoo** · 02-25-2012, 03:59

Couple other options for a 'first' hang:

Nerstrand State Park - (primitive walk-in sites): Good hiking, nice waterfall, especially in spring, easy access. 40-ish minutes south of Twin Cities by Northfield. (Great natural case hot dogs, beef jerky, and more at the Nerstrand Meat Market).

Rice Creek State Park - Very seldom crowded, shallow waterfowl lake, walk-in sites for easy access, canoe-in sites across the lake for more adventure. Less than an hour south by Owatonna.

Big Island State Park - 2,500 acre lake for canoeing, secluded and seldom-used canoe-in/hike-in campsites, nice car campsites on the "island" with towering woods. Plenty of trails. Straight down I-35 about 90 minutes by Albert Lea.

Cleary Lake Regional Park - There's a nice island (group site) accessible by canoe with plenty of room to stretch out or an easily accessible walk-in site by the lake with no other sites near it (its on a trail, but again, little foot traffic). They have other walk-in sites, but those aren't really conducive to hammocks. The one by the lake has some real nice trees to string up from.

Plenty of other options, too. These won't get you lost in the wilderness, but they will get you away from the crowds (and most people) within easy driving distance for quick overnighters and let you experiment with your rig.

All the other suggestions are great as well.

Skol!

**Rabid Deer** · 02-26-2012, 17:02

Another vote for Lake Maria State Park from me. It has become my favorite place to go, especially in winter because it is almost all pack in or cart in sites. I live in Clearwater, so it is not too far, but it's pretty close to you as well.

**dsherman** · 02-29-2012, 00:02

I have added all of these to my official list. Longer vacations will take me along the SHT and Boundary Waters, weekends will take me to these quick and easy locations. Thanks everyone!

**fly-chucker** · 07-24-2012, 09:28

lots of good locations here, I'll have to try some of them out

**SteveJJ** · 08-21-2012, 16:56

I doubt if camping is allowed here, but I can see the western edge of this woods from my deck, that I do sleep on... hang at your own risk and leave no trace please (unnecessary to state, just gotta do it though). I just love this place being so close.

Mind the widow-makers! 200 year old trees everywhere...

http://www.startribune.com/local/min...149446305.html

**parrbm** · 07-31-2013, 20:30

I found this thread while trying to search for hanging locations near the Twin Cities.

Does anyone remember what camping sites numbers were good for hammock camping at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, or Rice Lake State Park?

I'm looking to bike down there this weekend and don't want to pick a campsite that doesn't have any trees.

Thanks!